Travel Guide To Dominica

Dominica is an island with much more to offer than the Caribbean clich&eacute; of lying on the beach. With its prehistoric rainforests, rocky coastline, sandy beaches and colourful hamlets, there is plenty of trekking, diving and exploring to be had.

Where to stay in Dominica

PETIT COULIBRI GUEST COTTAGES

Box 331, Roseau (00 1 767 446 3150; fax: 446 3151; email: barnardm@cwdom.dm). Located on a cliff top, with unimpeded views of Martinique. This small, exclusive hideaway has welcomed guests such as the late John F Kennedy Jr. and his wife, Carolyn. ££

Advertisement

EXOTICA

Bow 109, Roseau (00 1 767 448 8839; fax: 448 8829 email: exotica@cwdom.dm). Less expensive than Petit Coulibri but, at 1,200 ft above sea level, has views almost as spectacular. Each smart new chalet has pitched ceilings and tiled floors, a bedroom with two extra long double beds, a living room plus kitchenette and bathroom. ££

Read next

A insider's guide to Costa Smeralda, Sardinia: Italy's jet-set island

FORT YOUNG HOTEL

Box 519, Roseau (00 1 767 448 5000; fax: 448 5006). Once a British military installation, but now this colonial-style hotel has been propelled into the present thanks to an ambitious redevelopment scheme. It has a sun terrace where you can watch the ships or steam in a Jacuzzi, a waterfront restaurant and 21 ocean view rooms. £

Advertisement

POINTE BAPTISTE GUEST HOUSE

Calibishie Village (tel/fax: 00 1 767 445 7783). A bit weathered, but this colonial-style plantation house has lots of atmosphere, as well as a great setting just above a beach, 20 acres of trails and even a library. For those on smaller budgets, there is also a cottage. ££

The best things to do in the Cotswolds

Advertisement

ZANDOLI INN

Box 2099, Roseau (00 1 767 446 3161; fax: 446 3344; email: zandoli@cwdom.dm). Opened in March 1998, this is the new kid on the block. A villa-style hotel built on a cliff top, it has majestic views across the ocean and a stairway down to the sea where you can snorkel or sunbathe on giant volcanic boulders. Each room is individually decorated, with balconies facing in different directions. Smart design features include louvered tiles from Trinidad built into the walls for cross-ventilation. £

PAPILLOTE WILDERNESS RETREAT

P. O. Box 2287, Roseau (00 1 767 448 2287; fax: 448 2285; <a href=http://www.papillote.dm target="_blank">www.papillote.dm</a>). Set amid four acres of lush rainforest gardens animated by a myriad species of butterflies and birds, the Papillote Wilderness Retreat is five miles from the capital, Roseau, and a short hike from the 120ft-high Trafalgar Falls. There are seven rooms - two in a separate cottage - as well as a creole restaurant and three soothing outdoor pools fed by a volcanic stream. £

Read next

Travel guide to Edinburgh

Things to do in Dominica

DIVING AND SNORKELLING

Nature Island Dive (001 767 449 8181) offers sea-kayaking and mountain bike tours, as well as packages. You can stay either in its own cottage on the beach or in nearby hotels. Another good operation is Dive Dominica (00 1 767 448 2188), which is based at the Castle Comfort Lodge and has an outlet at the Fort Young Hotel.

TOURS

When Mick Jagger was on the island, Kens Hinterland Adventure Tours and Taxi Services (00 1 767 448 4850; email: khatts@cwdom.dm) showed him the sights. Tours are in vans with knowledgeable guides, all of whom are equipped with two-way radios to make sure you can get out of the wilderness, as well as in.

How to get to Dominica

AIRPORT

Melville Hall, on the island's east coast, is 24 miles northeast from Roseau and 13 miles east of Canefield; Canefield Airport is about three miles from Roseau. There is an EC$30 flight departure tax.

AIRLINES FROM THE UK

Advertisement

British Airways (0845 779 9977; www.british-airways.com) flies from London Gatwick to Antigua three times a week and to Barbados daily. Virgin (01293 747 747; www.virgin-atlantic.com) flies to Antigua twice a week. Connecting flights with LIAT (UK agent 020 8571 7553) will take you on to Dominica.